Masks of Venice
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Venice is famous for many things. But perhaps some of the most evocative images come from the masked Carnival celebrations every spring. Some historians argue that Venetians wanted to subvert the rigid social class structures and that by wearing a mask everyone became equal. The wearer could disguise or completely conceal their identity or status, moving about the city freely whether a duchess or dancer, maid or minister, actor or archbishop.
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Consequently masks became more popular and were permitted throughout a large part of the year not just during Carnevale. As the use of masks increased the mask-makers mascherari began to enjoy a special place in Venetian society, forming a workers guild with their own laws. Mascherari were held up alongside painters for their artistry and even today, the few artisan mascherari operating in the city are highly regarded, although sadly only a small number remain.
One company which continues the traditional methods of mask-making is Peter Pan Masks , run by 3 Venetian sisters in the Santa Croce sestiere or district of the city. Its not as simple as it might look! During the plague, doctors would stuff the nose with cloth soaked in aromatics to keep the smell of death away.
But the long nose had another use too.
The doctors also wore gloves and carried a stick to enable them to move patients without actually touching them as another precaution. Whether these measures actually saved the lives of any doctors we may never know but certainly they trusted in the masks to keep them safe. As well as explaining the history of masks, the hour-long demonstration also offers the chance to choose a blank mask and decorate it in any style you want, copying a Venetian pattern or coming up with your own fantasy.
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Elisabetta explained some of the different decorative styles. Some were masculine like the ones with hatched eyebrows, others more feminine.
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I chose the columbina shape, a mask which covers just the eyes, nose and upper cheeks, and adapted a red, gold and black Venetian design. It requires a steady hand, a fluid stroke and most of all a sense of symmetry. To avoid a wonky design its best to lightly draw your pattern onto the gesso in pencil first as at least it can be erased if necessary!
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The paint soaks in fast too and shows the brush strokes so requires careful application. It all takes concentration and clearly Elisabetta and her sisters have had more practice than me!
The final stages are to add ribbons and then to seal the mask with a wax which gives a slightly antiqued finish when polished. The effect is rather striking. And although the wearing of masks in Venice was eventually banned under Austrian rule in , they gradually reappeared in the 19th century for private events.
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Carnevale returned too in as Venetians celebrated their history and culture once again. Which design would you pick? Leave me a comment and let me know!
In the meantime, I for one am rather proud of the end result especially now I know the history and process behind the mask. Plus you get to keep your creation as a souvenir so why not give it a go and let your imagination run wild! This is NOT a sponsored post and I have not been paid to write it, nor am I in any way a part of the business. Authentic and original venetian masks for sale totally handcrafted in the city of Venice, Italy, by the famous masters. Masks are made of paper mache and decorated with high quality Masks are made of paper mache and decorated with high quality paints, fabrics and jewels according to the carnival tradition.
In this section you can find all the traditional carnival masks that can be worn or hang on the wall as decoration. Strings are provided and as well a small hook behind the mask to hang it on the wall. All the masks are regular adult sized for men and women.
VENETIAN MASKS
For customization requests contact us we will be happy to help you. Sort by -- Price: Highest first Product Name: A to Z Product Name: Show 10 20 50 72 Products by page. Handcrafted according to the original Venice carnival tradition. Manifactured in Venice by the famous venetian masters. Each item is provided with Each item is provided with certificate of authenticity.
He told extraordinary tales about how he beat a whole army of Turks and carried off the beard of the Sultan, but when there was a hint of real danger he was the first to run away. With a level of social wealth unequaled since, the citizens of Venice developed a unique culture—one in which the concealing of the identity in daily life became paramount to daily activity. One of the most iconic symbols of the Venetian carnival is the mask. Moretta Popular in Venice as it brought out the beauty of feminine features such as the female head, body and mind. Its role was similar to the anonymizing processes invented to guarantee general, direct, free, equal and secret ballots in modern democracies. Mondonovo Maschere Home to the fascinating talent of sculptor Guerrino Lovato, this mask-making shop in Dorsoduro is one of the oldest in the city and is worth a visit even if you do not wish to buy anything.
Manufactured in Venice by the famous venetian masters. Authentic venetian mask in papier mache.
Types of Traditional Venetian Carnival Masks and Costumes
H 9,5 x L 18,5 cm. Golden Queen authentic venetian mask in papier mache.
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Damask Joker with 13 points authentic venetian mask in papier mache.